Facts

The three male plaintiffs were former employees of the City of Long Beach Parks and Recreation Department.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiffs claimed that from 2008 until 2010, their 29-year-old male supervisor, Rudy Rivera, sexually harassed them. Plaintiffs were 17 and 18 years old at the time of the harassment.

Plaintiffs filed causes of action for sexual harassment against the City of Long Beach.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The City of Long Beach disputed liability and damages and asserted that Rivera was to blame for plaintiffs' harm.

Specials in Evidence

$100,000 future therapy for each plaintiff

Injuries

Plaintiffs claimed they each suffered emotional distress, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and other personal issues as teenagers and as adults.

Result

The case settled for $1,750,000.

Other Information

In early 2010, Rivera inadvertently left a voice message for a City of Long Beach employee, which captured Rivera verbally harassing one of the plaintiffs. The voicemail was reported to police and Rivera was arrested and criminally charged for the sexual abuse and harassment of the three plaintiffs. Rivera plead no contest to multiple felony counts and was sentenced to eight years in prison. FILING DATE: Nov. 21, 2011.